Chapter Thirty, Two Tigers Compete
Before long, Zhang Fei fetched the 18-foot snake spear. With a long gun in his hand, the silver light flashed, and when illuminated by the torches, it looked even more eerie. Seeing Dian Wei holding a pair of iron spears, he opened up his stance. Zhang Fei excitedly let out a loud shout "Look at my spear!" The long gun in his hand flashed with silver light, wrapped in strong winds, and stabbed straight at Dian Wei's chest. Knowing that Dian Wei was brave and fierce, this spear of Zhang Fei's had an intimidating killing aura, full of power, without any reserve or concealment.
It's only when you respect your opponent that you can be so completely unreserved.
The spear was like a silver dragon, swift and fierce, its momentum like a rainbow. The Yellow Turban soldiers sitting around couldn't help but stare blankly, secretly sweating for Dian Wei.
"Feng Ge, nothing will happen, right? Zhang Fei is obviously serious." Xue Cheng said with concern as he approached Xu Feng.
"It doesn't matter, just watch and see. Although Dian Wei is injured, his skills are not inferior to Zhang Fei's." Xu Feng raised his wine cup with a relaxed expression and took a sip.
"Ding Dong..." The dim night sky, suddenly a burst of flashing, sparks flying everywhere, like fireworks, dazzling and eye-catching, illuminating the surroundings as bright as daylight.
This sound, the voice was shocking, echoing through the clouds, and everyone felt a tremble under their feet, as if an earthquake had occurred. They looked up at the scene, only to see Diwu and Zhang Fei each take two steps back, their faces filled with intense fighting spirit. The excitement of a showdown between masters made both men burst out laughing simultaneously, their laughter echoing for a long time, never fading from their ears.
"Good..." The crowd couldn't help but applaud loudly and cheer.
"Not bad, watch this." Dian Wei cracked his whip in praise and strode forward with the speed of a wild bull, his left hand holding the halberd high as he brought it down swiftly towards Zhang Fei's forehead. Zhang Fei hastily raised his spear to block the attack, but Dian Wei quickly followed up with a horizontal sweep of his right hand, striking with lightning speed. Zhang Fei rapidly retreated backwards, his expression serious as he narrowly avoided the blow.
Two men, coming and going, their speed getting faster and faster, long spears like dragons, iron pikes like mountains. One was fast, the other had great strength. From time to time, the sound of clashing blades shook the earth and stunned the heavens, making everyone's nerves even more tense. At first, people were worried about Dian Wei, but as they watched for a while, all they saw were fleeting shadows in the air as the two men wrestled together, making it hard to tell who was who. In the blink of an eye, fifty rounds had passed, and neither man had gained the upper hand, with victory hanging in the balance. But don't forget, Dian Wei still bore his wounds, while Zhang Fei was at full strength.
"Dang... Dang... Dang" Diwu's battle cry grew louder and more courageous, his eighty jin heavy iron pike dancing wildly in the air, but despite this, Diwu's speed showed no signs of slowing down, his endless stream of power seemingly inexhaustible, not a hint of weakness or injury visible.
Sixty rounds had been fought, with neither side able to gain the upper hand. Zhang Fei was getting somewhat winded and his face was flushed red.
Seventy rounds, still no winner or loser, Di Wei, as always fearless and invincible, with high morale.
Eighty rounds, a loud crash, Zhang Fei's long spear was suddenly knocked flying by Dian Wei. Seizing the opportunity, Dian Wei's right hand iron pike swept down like a wild wind blowing away fallen leaves, frantically smashing towards Zhang Fei's chest. Zhang Fei had already given up in his heart, thinking that such a fierce move could not be dodged, so he simply stood still and closed his eyes.
But just as everyone was worried, the bloody scene did not appear. Dianwei's iron halberd stopped just short of Zhang Fei's chest, as if it had slammed on the brakes.
"Good... Zhendi Wei wins this battle." Xu Feng hurriedly applauded and praised Zhendi, then walked up to Zhang Fei and patted his shoulder "Zhang Fei wasn't bad either, young and brave, with exceptional spear skills. Don't forget, he's only 17 years old, given time, his future will be boundless. Come, let's pour a drink for our two heroes."
"Haha, it's been a long time since I've had such an exhilarating battle with someone! Today was truly enjoyable. Even if I died, I, Zhang Fei, would have no regrets." Zhang Fei wasn't disheartened by his defeat at all, but instead was overjoyed to have met Dian Wei, whom he admired. Xufeng personally raised his wine cup to celebrate the two of them.
"I hope that from now on, we can work together to overthrow this corrupt government and add strength to the Yellow Turbans. In my life, I have always respected heroes like you two who are bold and ambitious, brave and extraordinary. Heroes do not ask about their background, and with your help, I believe that the Yellow Turban Army will be invincible and victorious wherever we go. Soldiers, don't you agree?"
"Yes." The three armies responded in unison, the silent night sky echoing for dozens of miles, lingering on and on.
"Listen and obey."
"Diǎn wéi zài." translates to "Typical of him."
"From today on, you are the leader of my personal Tiger Guard under Xu Feng's command. Starting tomorrow, you can select 500 robust soldiers from the army to form your team. I hope that in future battles, you will become our sharpest blade, able to turn the tide of battle, capture enemy commanders, and take their heads. In retreat, you will block the enemy's pursuit, creating a bloody path for our soldiers to break through. I entrust the hopes of our entire army to you, and I hope you won't disappoint me." Xu Feng gazed at Dian Wei with a serious expression, his eyes filled with thick anticipation and deep trust.
"Dianwei understands that even if he dies ten thousand times, he will never betray the general's trust." Dianwei replied respectfully.
"Good, let's toast to Hu Wei's leadership with a cup of Tianwei." Xu Feng raised his wine glass and said loudly.
"Cheers!" The whole army stood up and responded loudly.
"Hu Wei, I also want to join, Dian Wei, you must call me when the time comes." Zhang Fei excitedly rubbed his hands and rushed to Dian Wei.
"Anyone can go, but Zhang Fei cannot." Xu Feng firmly refused.
"Why is this?"
"Just focus on your own work and don't think too much about other things for now."
"What's wrong, Xu Feng? You just saw my skills a moment ago. Do you have any opinions about me?" Zhang Fei complained discontentedly.
"It's either you stay here and obey my orders, or leave. I won't force you." With the three armies present, Zhang Fei complained in this way, Xu Feng's anger ignited, and he immediately shouted loudly. A jade that is not polished will not become a useful vessel. For Zhang Fei, Xu Feng would absolutely not show mercy.
"You... dare you fight me, Zhang Fei? If you can last twenty rounds under my hands, I'll take back what I said earlier and admit defeat." Zhang Fei muttered discontentedly.
As for Xu Feng's character, Zhang Fei still appreciated him. For the sake of the people, Xu Feng would absolutely go all out. However, as a general, Zhang Fei didn't want to be ordered around by someone who was inferior in martial arts, being bossed around and pointed at.
"Xue Cheng rebuked, 'Zhang Fei, you must not be presumptuous!' Although Zhang Fei was brave and fierce, Xue Cheng could no longer hold back his anger at Feng's disrespect."
"How about it, are you afraid? Today, in front of the three armies, I, Zhang Fei, will challenge you. If you have the guts, come and fight me, but don't let the three armies laugh at you." Zhang Fei looked at Xue Cheng with disdain, his eyes blazing with fury, staring coldly at Xu Feng.
"Haha, remember what you said, okay? Don't regret it later." Xu Feng unexpectedly accepted Zhang Fei's challenge.
